Loss of keyboard modifier keys using VMware Console

Edweirdo

I have VMware Server Console 1.0.4 running on my Gentoo Linux kernel 2.6.23 using a USB keyboard, US keymap and while using VMware Console I lose my modifier keys (shift, alt, ctrl). I've had it happen on 3 different computers. If I am using a Windows VM the modifier keys work fine, but when I release my mouse and keboard there is no modifier keys. The only way I've found to reclaim them is to reboot.
_________________
Life is too short and too important to { take seriously | use Windows }.

Martux · Veteran Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 1917

Hello! Same problem here with Vmware Workstation (~amd64).
_________________
"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
Albert Einstein
"The road to success is always under construction"

Edweirdo · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:24 pm Post subject:

yeah, i noticed it happened in vmware workstation now too. seems very bazaar.

i have changed the keys to exit the window to shift-ctrl-alt if that matters [which is probably doesn't].
_________________
Life is too short and too important to { take seriously | use Windows }.

superbrain666 · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:47 pm Post subject:

Similar Problem:
My cursor keys are not working, so this turns vmware unusable.
Sorry i'm wrong they ARE working, but the down key brings: Start-Menu!

I think it is a problem with glibc or baselayout or Xorg server 1.4, but i really don't know witch package is faulty, since i use vmware only once per month..

any ideas from the gentooers?

pennguin · n00b Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 7

Edweirdo · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 4:03 pm Post subject:

As I use VMware and/or VMware Console constantly, this problem was very annoying. It looks like Pennguin's solution worked, though which is great!

Thanks Pennguin!
_________________
Life is too short and too important to { take seriously | use Windows }.

Edweirdo · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:33 pm Post subject:

bad news. i was working for about a week and then it started happening again. i probably upgraded something i shouldn't have but i don't know what.
_________________
Life is too short and too important to { take seriously | use Windows }.

darklegion · Guru Joined: 14 Nov 2004 Posts: 468

I fixed the problem by disabling all of the keyboard grabbing options in "Preferences > Input".More of a workaround then a fix but it's good enough for me.You'll need to use Ctrl-G to grab input (I had to have the cursor outside of the guest video output for it to work) and use the modifier keys to ungrab input.

Another workaround is to use the built-in remote display (in vmware-workstation at least) which works ok with tightvnc but you have to reload the viewer everytime there is a resolution change.If you go down this route make sure you have the latest vmware tools, or else the mouse cursor will not work in VNC.